Our annual Lightpool Festival wouldn’t be the same without a generous helping of the live entertainment and exciting events that Blackpool is famous for and is guaranteed to blow your imagination.
Carnival Glow
Location: The Globe - Pleasure Beach, Thursday 16 October, 7.30pm
For one night only, The Globe will host Carnival Glow, a visually striking indoor show combining global Carnival traditions with modern light and sound technology.
Created by the team behind Carnival Magic, the performance features live percussion, LED-lit dancers, stilt walkers, illuminated puppets, robot drummers and pyrotechnics. The result is a fast-paced, high-impact show suitable for all ages.
After the performance, audiences will have the chance to meet the performers and puppets in the foyer, a great opportunity to take photos and see the costumes up close.
Tickets coming soon.
Luminaire Drone Race
Location: The Globe - Pleasure Beach, Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 October
Come along to The Globe at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort for an exciting weekend of indoor micro drone racing, featuring some of the UK’s top pilots. Watch as they tackle and navigate a racing circuit, weaving between Blackpool's famous illuminations models.
This event offers thrilling, fast-paced races designed to showcase the skill and precision of the pilots, ideal if you’re a drone enthusiast or completely new to the sport.
Throughout the day, enjoy live commentary and a live stream on the big screen showing all the action, meet the pilots and find out more about the growing world of drone racing.
Want to try it for yourself? You can take part in hands-on activities including:
• Flying drones on a beginner-friendly training course
• Wearing FPV goggles to experience a pilot’s perspective on a “hot lap”
• Testing your skills on drone racing simulators with the BMFA
Tickets are now available via Eventbrite
Carnival Magic
Location: The Blackpool Tower Ballroom - Monday 27 October, 7.30pm
An exhilarating menagerie of illuminated carnival will return to the Tower Ballroom on Monday 27 October for an electrifying static showcase of music, puppetry and dance.
Internationally recognised Carnival performers will present a showstopper over 30 minutes, bringing a diverse melting pot of Carnival magic.
Giant hand-crafted puppets and stunning illuminated dancers will present a showstopper for over 30 minutes, bringing a diverse melting pot of Carnival magic.
Tickets are required for Carnival Magic at Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Due to the large quantity of unredeemed tickets at previous events, there will be a small £2 administration charge. This contribution goes directly towards supporting local community projects.
Expect:
ROYALTY
Meet extraordinary illuminated characters, from the majestic Queen Bee to Rimmon the Water Nymph, our mischievous Elf and larger-than-life fire-breathing beasts. These larger-than-life characters will spark curiosity in both kids and grown-ups.
MAGICAL MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
Brilliant dancers flood the ballroom, adorned in incredible Carnival costumes and illuminated designs, moving to irresistible rhythms and big beats from across the globe.
THE BIG FINALE
As the performance builds to its crescendo, over 50 performers will cascade onto the dance floor in a finale of light, music, and movement.
JOIN US
And that’s not all… Ever had a selfie with a giant puppet? Now’s your chance! After the show, the audience are invited to meet the incredible illuminated characters and share the magic. All we ask in return is that you tag #GlobalGroovesCarnivalMagic on socials.
Tickets coming soon.
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Neon Nights Kids UV Party
Location: Showtown Museum, Wednesday 29 October, Session 1: 3-4.30pm, Session 2: 5-6.30pm
During wartime Blackpool, even under blackout conditions, people found ways to bring light and joy to their lives.
Join us for a children’s neon party inspired by this spirit of resilience and discover how people found fun and light during the darkness.
This children’s neon party is full of colour, music and games. Kids can decorate their own T-shirts with glow-in-the-dark pens, dance under UV lights, and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
Tickets: £5 per child (T-shirt included).
The Crow and the Wood of Wishes: A Claremont Tale
Claremont Park, Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October. Performances every 15 minutes, 6pm to 9pm, suitable for all
When the crow flies over Claremont / It sees both lie and true / If your heart is pure and bold / It shows wood’s gateway to you.
Long ago, in 1887, Lord Nelson’s mighty flagship Foudroyant crashed upon Blackpool’s North Pier where its timbers scattered upon the sands. Legend whispers that the spirit of the ship still lingers: a black crow of Claremont is said to guide wanderers to a secret wishing gate, formed from the ship’s wood.
Step into Claremont Park where tales take flight, shadows dance and the magic of the old ship stirs once more. Gather round for storytelling and make a wish upon the Foudroyant’s wood yourself.
Guided Tour
Thursday 23 October. Meeting: Houndshill Shopping Centre
Join one of Lightpool Festival’s free guided tours and get a closer look at the incredible artworks that make up this year’s programme. Led by a member of the Lightpool team, these tours offer a chance to learn more about the inspiration, stories and creative process behind the installations.
You'll be guided through key artworks with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and gain insight into how Lightpool brings art and illumination to life in Blackpool. Each tour is supported by a qualified British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, making it accessible to D/deaf audiences.
Whether you're experiencing Lightpool Festival for the first time or a regular visitor to the festival, this tour is a great way to see and hear all about the installations in a new light.
On this special evening, Grundy Art Gallery will be open 5pm - 9pm
Please note that there will be live filming and photography during the events listed above. Any pictures provided maybe used by VisitBlackpool for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be included, please contact VisitBlackpool Web Team.